Transforming Fear—A shamanic journey with Anubis

Anubis found guarding the treasury in Tutankhamun's Tomb, Cairo Museum

Following is a guided shamanic journey with the Egyptian god of the underworld, Anubis, Opener of the Way. Anubis is the son of Nephthys and Osiris, and was raised by Isis. Among many other functions, he is the god who looks after miscarried and abandoned children. He guards and protects equally in the day and the night, and knows all the pathways that lead from the darkness into the light. His keen senses and watchful eye assure that no outside forces will endanger you while you do your inner work.I have found him to be a trustworthy guide, teacher and protector, and am honored to share this important process with you.

I suggest that you read this journey before taking it for the first time. Having a trusted friend read it to you works well, or you can do it on your own or make a tape in your own voice, leaving ample space or using the pause button while you do the work. It is also helpful if you determine before you journey what fears you intend to work with, and bring them as strongly into your consciousness as you are able when you are ready to begin.

The Journey

Ground and center yourself with some deep, grounding breaths… Look within and find your eternal heart flame… It will enter your perception, either through imagining, feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling, or simply knowing its presence. Feed your heart flame with love, and notice how it grows. Continue feeding your inner heart flame as it intensifies and sends warmth and light throughout your being… Take a moment to recall the fear that has been compelling you… Allow yourself to feel where in your body it is most noticeable. Bring it to the surface of your awareness so that it is more easily available for transformation…

You will become aware of the presence of Anubis just outside the the light of your heart flame. He is looking at you from the darkness beyond with glowing eyes. Let your perception come into focus in whatever way works for you; you might see, feel, hear, know, smell, or simply imagine his presence. With your full focus and attention, you can begin to perceive the full presence of his being… He leads you into the darkness, looking over his shoulder occasionally to be sure that you are following him. Anubis guides you through the darkness, deeper and deeper until you come to a river between you and what appears to be a dark, rough hewn land flickering with fire on the other side. You must find your way accross this river. As you focus on your strong intention to complete this transformation, you will discover how to cross the river.

When you find yourself on the other side of the river you are struck with the smell of sulfur similar to that of reeking rotten eggs. It takes a great force of your will to enter the large, yet stifling cavern where Anubis directs you. He positions himself as a sentinel while you find your place within and allow your fears to surface. The sulfur reacts as brimstone to flint, and your fears immediately ignite. You must stand in the fires of your own fear as the transformation takes place. Allow yourself to breathe in the acrid smell of the sulfur and stay with this process as you witness the burning transformation of your fears… Anubis appears when the work is complete, and guides you further into the cavern, to a far crevice where there is a small opening you must crawl through that leads into a spacious underground grotto. A shaft of light shines upon flower blossoms protruding from a ledge, nourished by the spray from a waterfall feeding a sacred spring with clear, sweet water.

Anubis at Abydos

Enjoy some time bathing and swimming in the cool, clear waters, rinsing away the last remnants of the sulfur and fear. Anubis will show you where steps have been cut into the rock, and you climb upward until you emerge once again into the bright dawn of a new day. Notice how much lighter you feel. Offer your gratitude to Anubis, and receive any further messages or instructions from this powerful ally and guide. Bring your attention once more to your physical body and ground and center yourself.